The role of spouses in entrepreneurship

Abstract

The atmosphere of the entrepreneurial world emphasizes the need for unlimited time and extensive effort on part of the entrepreneur to creatively build an organization. As a result, the amount of time an entrepreneur can spend with his or her spouse and family is substantially reduced. In unknown number of cases, the entrepreneur may find a need for advice, support, and help from the spouse while journeying along this new path. This journey can have a two-fold impact on the spouses. The spouses of entrepreneurs may be themselves in need of attention, time, and guidance from the other spouse in family matters and meeting the needs of growing children. However, many spouses find themselves in a situation where they cannot expect much help from the entrepreneur; on the contrary, they may well be challenged by the demands of the entrepreneur and the business. Added to this situation, many spouses may hope to pursue their own interests and/or careers. They may have friendships and personal interests, they may wish to maintain and may have extended family obligations too. Owing to their partner's entrepreneurial efforts, the spouses own outside interests may make further demands on the spouse's time. All this could amount to spinning multiple dishes like a juggler. This thesis explores the role of spouses in entrepreneurship. I reviewed literature, conducted interviews, and made use of my own experiences to form the basis of the study. The research focuses on three issues. First, I reviewed the literature, such as it is, which led me to question why there is so little work on the role of spouses in entrepreneurship.

(cont.) Second, the role of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship is examined from the perspective of the social requirements for pursuing this path. Third, through extensive interviews, I examined the role of spouses in entrepreneurship, and the role of spouses from the viewpoint of the entrepreneurs themselves.